Maternity outfit ideas for the third trimester

I’ve been talking maternity clothes with @HonestMummy on Twitter this morning and it reminded me that I’ve not uploaded an outfit post for a while. To be honest, as the bump is rapidly getting bigger I’ve been recycling quite a lot of the same maternity outfits already featured on Little Pea Green or, trying to squeeze into some of my bigger non-maternity clothes (like this H&M dress I wore to work the other day!):

Wearing: dress, H&M; shoes, Topshop

Of course, I’d love to stock up the whole Isabella Oliver range but, when you’re having to buy prams, cots, car seats, sterilisers, bottles and baby clothes I just can’t justify that sort of spend on clothes I’ll only wear for a few months.

I’ve mentioned before that Primark has been a godsend for work tops and they’ve got loads of chiffon blouses and shirts for between £5-12 in stock at the moment.

Wearing: top, Primark; chinos, GAP; shoes, Office

I’ve also, for the first time this pregnancy started to buy a few maternity tops which, whilst longer and a little more forgiving than ‘normal’ tops still aren’t as blousey and unshapen as quite a few of the maternity ranges I’ve come across. Topshop Maternity and H&M Mama coming up trumps:

Topshop Maternity Neppy Tee – £14.00

Topshop Maternity Herringbone Vest – was £30, now £15

H&M Mama Shirt – £14.99

Anyone come across any other great maternity clothes that won’t break the bank?

Little Pea Green

x

Summer brights – coral jumper and scarf

I’ve been facing a drought of funky maternity clothes for the unusually tall pregnant lady in the last few months but, I’m glad to report the drought is finally over – hurray!

What with the unpredictable English weather, I’m not quite out of my jumper and jeans yet but, I’m trying to bring some colour into my life with this rather fabulous jumper from Zara.

Like my last outfit post, this key piece comes in at under £20 and importantly, is suitably long enough to complement my ever growing bump. Teamed here with one of Zara’s equally well-priced scarves (which I’ve used for a number of outfits recently).

Wearing: sunglasses, Ray-Ban; jumper, Zara; scarf, Zara; vest, Topshop, jeans, Isabella Oliver, shoes, New Look

Next stop – shopping for maternity holiday clothes. Wish me luck!

Little Pea Green
x

Isabella Oliver. The saviour of tall, pregnant women everywhere

Anyone that has read my previous post on the challenges of being tall and pregnant will appreciate I’ve been on a mission to find well-fitting, long, skinny jeans that I can wear throughout my pregnancy.

Many of the usual suspects, Topshop, Gap, Asos etc don’t seem to combine the benefits of their maternity and tall ranges and the jeans that I have found have been shapeless enough to fit both me, Little Pea and Mr G in! So, as skinny denims are a mainstay of my wardrobe for work I’ve been making do with that damn elastic band and long shirts and tshirts to cover up the bump.

But, fear not, the famous maternity clothing range from Isabella Oliver has come to the rescue. To be honest I’d not sought their range out before as I’d assumed they wouldn’t have a tall option but, guess what, their jeans range is 34 inch central!

Admittedly, at £99 their Bardot jeans aren’t the cheapest I’ve ever bought but working on the premise that I’ll probably wear them 3-4 times a week, at least, cost per wear should prove to be pretty minimal.

And, when the order arrived it was wrapped in such lovely packaging – I know, I’m a sucker for pretty things – but every little touchpoint is an opportunity for positive brand engagement right?!

The only problem is that again, clever Isabella Oliver also included the latest edition of their catalogue which has some great pieces in. Thankfully, to make another purchase a bit easier on the wallet they also sent an Isabella Oliver discount code which is valid until next month (31 May 2012).

And, because I’ve always been taught to share – here it is for you to take advantage of too – may the purchasing begin – 15LOYAL

When using elastic bands to hold your jeans up no longer cuts it

I’m in denial. For the last few months I’ve managed to get by by hitching up my non-maternity jeans with an elastic band. No, it’s not pretty but if I wear t-shirts, shirts, jumpers and tops that are long enough to hide the offending elastic I’ve managed to respectably attend (as far as I’m aware!) conferences and business meetings with the band holding strong.

But, it’s all just changed. The jeans can’t take the strain any longer and the search for maternity jeans has begun.

I’m in the fortunate position to be able to wear jeans for work which means I have a pair in every colour possible – denim blue, bright blue, black, grey, pink, the list goes on. However, at 5’11’’ I’m also pretty tall and, more often than not I have to rely on Topshop, Zara and Gap to stop me looking like Oliver Twist!

This is where my problems have started. Most of the above stores only stock maternity jeans in a 31/32 inch leg. I need a 34 and the ones I’ve just ordered from Gap could be worn by my hubby for doing the house renovations – they’re horrible. As an interim measure I’ve managed to find some immensely stretchy jeans from Zara and, at £19.99 a pop I can manage it but, I’m not sure how long these will hold out.

If anyone knows of any reasonably priced maternity jeans that will help to keep me looking half normal all, and any suggestions welcome. Until then, the search continues……

* The jeans/elastic band combo above isn’t mine – couldn’t bring myself to take an actual picture but, you get the idea!

Little Pea Green x